Best of
2nd-Grade

2020

I Am Leonardo Da Vinci


Brad Meltzer - 2020
    Each book tells the story of an icon in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that always includes the hero's childhood influences. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos. This book features Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance artist and inventor.

A World Together


Sonia Manzano - 2020
    Kids see how people around the world look, dress, and spend their day, and learn that what we enjoy and value--friends, family, food, play--may sometimes look different, but deep down is the same wherever you go.This lovely picture book from a first-generation American affirms our common humanity as it presents the glorious similarities and differences that connect us all. It's a charming book to share with friends and family and to read aloud with little ones. It has an inspiring message: With laugher and love, we can help bring a world together.

How to Be a Pirate


Isaac Fitzgerald - 2020
    When the neighborhood boys tell her that she can't, she wonders where to begin. Luckily, she suspects her grandpa must know something about being a pirate--why else would he have all those tattoos?As he shares each tattoo, Grandpa and CeCe are transported from adventure to adventure, and CeCe discovers that there are all kinds of ways to be a pirate--Be BRAVE! Be QUICK! Be INDEPENDENT! And FUN!--and most of all, whether you're a pirate or not, the most important thing you can do is to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

The Story of George Washington: A Biography Book for New Readers


Lisa Trusiani - 2020
    He won the fight for American independence from England, but before that, he was a hardworking kid who enjoyed challenging himself in school and sports. He learned that overcoming challenges in his life would help make him a great leader.Explore how George went from being an ambitious farm boy in Virginia to the most well-known founding father in American history. How will his revolutionary spirit inspire you?This book about George Washington for kids includes:See George’s progress―Unlike other books about George Washington for kids, this one has a visual timeline of his life so you can get a picture of his important milestones.Helpful definitions―Discover a glossary with easy-to-understand definitions for the more advanced words and ideas in this book about George Washington for kids.A lasting legacy―This unique book about George Washington for kids explains how he changed the world for future generations and you.

The Lights and Types of Ships at Night


Dave Eggers - 2020
    You may have also heard of the sea and the night. But did you realize there's nothing more beautiful than a ship and its lights on the sea at night? In warm and witty prose, this picture book's narrator asks the reader to consider the splendor of glowing lights cast by ships on a shimmering waterway. Meet a trawler, a steamship, a RoRo, an exploratory vessel and more across richly illustrated pages, alive with the glowy, otherworldly nighttime scenes of boats as seen from a child's perspective.

Woodpecker Girl


Chingyen Liu - 2020
    When her art teacher straps a paintbrush to her head, she begins to paint her thoughts and feelings"€"opening up her world. This book is based on an actual story.

Wanda Seasongood and the Mostly True Secret


Susan Lurie - 2020
    Wanda hates her little brother, Zane. But don't judge her for it—Zane is an absolute terror, and her parents blame Wanda for his monstrous behavior. On her eleventh birthday, Wanda makes a wish: to find her true family, because she knows deep down that this one can't be hers. She gets a surprise visit from a talking bluebird named Voltaire who seems wise and confirms her suspicion that someone has been meddling with her life. He knows the secret . . . he just can't remember what it is right now. Together they venture into the Scary Wood, where they encounter many magical creatures as they search for the truth. None of these adversaries prepares her for the biggest one: a witch named Raymunda, who has put her and her family under a spell. Will Wanda succeed in breaking the curse, or will she be stuck in the wrong life forever?

The Twitches Meet a Puppy


Hayley Scott - 2020
    

How to Write a Story


Kate Messner - 2020
    A good one.Step 2: Decide on a setting. Don't be afraid to mix things up.Step 3: Create a heroine—or a hero.Now: Begin.Storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel chronicle the process of becoming a writer in this follow-up to How to Read a Story, guiding young storytellers through the joys and challenges of the writing process. From choosing an idea, to creating a problem for their character to resolve, to coming to The End, this picture book breaks down the writing process.

Another Book About Bears


Lauren Bunting - 2020
    Sick and tired. Just when they are in the middle of something really good – like sleeping, snoozing, or napping – too many storybooks mean they have to stop what they are doing (that is, sleeping) and get up to be part of a story. Every story. Well, the bears have had enough. They are going on strike... but who could take their place?

How to Meet a Mermaid


Sue Fliess - 2020
    If you’re lucky, she may take you on an ocean adventure!Mermaids are rarely seen, and even more rarely met. But, if you gather some natural craft supplies—shells, coral, driftwood, and sea glass—and make her a gift, you might just befriend one!Will you spot a mermaid in the waves just off shore? If you do, will you be ready? By being observant, resourceful, and friendly, you can make a beautiful crown from natural beach materials that will show your new mermaid friend you truly care. Perhaps she’ll take you on an incredible adventure through the ocean’s depths, past ancient shipwrecks, and to her shell castle! You just might experience what it’s like to be a mermaid yourself!Sue Fliess’s poetic read-aloud text and Simona Sanfilippo’s vibrant, whimsical illustrations will provide joy for young readers eager to meet their own mermaids! Also included are guides for teachers and parents about how to engage children in building mermaid crowns and how to interest them in the natural world, the history of mermaids, and the many cultures that have believed in them.

I Am Jax, Protector of the Ranch


Catherine Stier - 2020
    After the Texas sun goes down, it's up to him and two other LGDs to protect their ranch from predators. But when the lead dog gets hurt, Jax and a young pup are the only ones left to protect the flock through the night. Told from the dog's perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.

Buddy's Story


Blake Morgan - 2020
    When Buddy is paired with Noah as a Detection Dog, he can't believe his luck! Here is a special, loving boy that he has the important task of looking after. Noah has anaemia and it's up to Buddy to protect him if he faints. It's a huge responsibility, but to Buddy it's the best job in the world!Then Noah gets into trouble in the water on a trip to the seaside and everyone turns on Buddy. Noah is safe but the adults have lost their trust in his canine companion. Buddy knows what really happened, but how can he convince everyone he wasn't to blame? For fans of I, COSMO , A DOG'S LIFE and Michael Morpurgo.

USA National Park: Lands of Wonder


D.K. Eyewitness - 2020
    They are the earth's breathing spaces; precious places to conserve nature and wildlife for future generations. And they are playgrounds filled with countless places to hike, camp, climb, swim and paddle, where you and your family can create lifelong memories of freedom and wide-open spaces.Wild Places is a celebration of these magnificent parks - packed with beautiful photography and inspiring ideas for your next adventure, whether you want to be alone amid the vast and haunting wilderness of Alaska's Denali Park or get up close to the teeming tropical wildlife of Florida's Everglades. All 61 national parks are covered, showcasing what makes each one unique, with maps, facts and figures, things to do, and when and where to experience it at its best.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights (Big Golden Book)


Bonnie Bader - 2020
    

I Am Ava, Seeker in the Snow


Catherine Stier - 2020
    She and her handler have trained for years to be ready to help people at their ski resort if an unexpected avalanche hits. But Ava quickly finds out there's much more to being an avy dog than daring rescues. Told from the dog's perspective, this riveting story also includes back matter about the breed and the role of the working dog.